Game Apparatus for playing tossing game

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a game apparatus for playing a tossing game. The game apparatus includes a pair of receptacles, a pair of detachable caps and a plurality of washers. Each receptacle of the pair of receptacles includes a base, a projection extending from a periphery of the base and an elongated hollow member configured to detachably couple with the base. Each detachable cap of the pair of detachable caps is configured to seal an opening, configured at a central portion of the base of the receptacle. The plurality of washers is capable of being tossed into the pair of receptacles for scoring points while playing the tossing game.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a game apparatus, and, moreparticularly, to a game apparatus for a playing tossing game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tossing games are played by people during various gatherings such aspicnics, outings in a park or a beach, and so on. These tossing gamesare played as friendly competitions by people for entertainment. Thetossing games may involve tossing a plurality of disks, such as washers,targeted at a hole for scoring points. The hole is positioned at apredetermined distance from a person tossing the disks.

Earlier, people used to dig a hole in the ground, and considered thehole as the target area for playing the tossing game. In such instance,the game is limited to an outdoor game. Moreover, construction of suchtarget areas is a tedious task at places where the ground is coveredwith concrete.

Nowadays, people use other ways of playing the tossing game. Typically,people utilize a washer tossing game apparatus, which includes a pair ofopen top boxes having elongated cylindrical holes. While playing, aplayer may toss a plurality of washers into these elongated cylindricalholes to score points. However, such game apparatuses are bulky andinconvenient to transport. Further, such game apparatuses are difficultto store when not in use. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a gameapparatus that is relatively compact, portable, easily storable, andeasily set up for playing.

Additionally, there is a need for a game apparatus that is capable ofbeing played with minimum level of skill and yet provides a sufficientmental and physical challenge for keeping the excitement of the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of foregoing disadvantage inherent in the prior art, the generalpurpose of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus, toinclude all the advantages of the prior art, and overcome the drawbacksinherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gameapparatus for a tossing game.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatusthat is compact and easily storable.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a gameapparatus that is lightweight and easily portable.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofplaying a game apparatus for a tossing game that requires a minimumlevel of skills.

In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, agame apparatus for a tossing game is disclosed. The game apparatusincludes a pair of receptacles, a pair of detachable caps, and aplurality of washers. Each receptacle of the pair of receptaclesincludes a base, a projection, and an elongated hollow member. The baseis configured with an opening at a central portion thereof. Theprojection extends about a periphery of the base to configure a firstcavity therewithin. The elongated hollow member includes a first openend and a second open end opposite to the first open end. The first openend and the second open end configure a second cavity therebetween. Thesecond open end is configured to detachably couple with the opening ofthe base. Each detachable cap of the pair of detachable caps isconfigured to seal the opening of the base. The plurality of washers istossed into at least one position of a plurality of predeterminedpositions for scoring points for playing the tossing game.

In another aspect of the present invention, a game apparatus is providedthat is capable of being packaged, thereby enabling convenient storagethereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a game apparatus isprovided that is lightweight and portable. More specifically, variouscomponents of the game apparatus, for example, a pair of receptacles anda pair of detachable caps, are composed of a plastic material, therebyenabling a convenient portability thereof.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along withthe various features of novelty that characterize the present invention,are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forma part of this present invention. For a better understanding of thepresent invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objectsattained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanyingdrawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplaryembodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likeelements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a game apparatus, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a receptacle of agame apparatus with a detachable cap, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a game apparatus in a packagedconfiguration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a game apparatus positioned forplaying a tossing game with a player tossing a washer, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for playing a tossinggame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the descriptionof several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrativepurposes and are subject to many variations in structure and design. Itshould be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limitedto a particular game apparatus for a tossing game, as shown anddescribed. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions ofequivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or renderexpedient, but these are intended to cover the application orimplementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimsof the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote anyorder, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish oneelement from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote alimitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least oneof the referenced item.

The present invention provides a game apparatus for a tossing game. Thegame apparatus is capable of being played by players of all ages. Thegame apparatus may be used as an indoor as well as an outdoor gameapparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a game apparatus 100 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective assembled view ofthe game apparatus 100. The game apparatus 100 includes a receptacle 102a, and a receptacle 102 b. The game apparatus 100 further includes a setof washers corresponding to each receptacle. For example, the gameapparatus 100 includes a first set of washers corresponding to thereceptacle 102 a; and a second set of washers corresponding to thereceptacle 102 b. As illustrates in FIG. 1, the first set of washers mayinclude washers 104 a and the second set of washers may include washers104 b.

The receptacle 102 a includes a base 106 a, a projection 108 a extendingabout a periphery of the base 106 a, and an elongated hollow member 110a. The base 106 a includes an opening 112 a configured at a centralportion thereof. The projection 108 a extends from a periphery of thebase 106 a to configure a first cavity.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the base 106 a of thereceptacle 102 a is square in shape, as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly,the projection 108 a is shown to include four walls extending fromperiphery of the square base. However, it will be evident to a personskilled in the art that the base 106 a may have a circularconfiguration, a polygonal configuration, or any other configurations.In such instances, a projection may extend from a periphery of the base106 a, thereby forming the first cavity of the receptacle 102 a.

The receptacle 102 a further includes the elongated hollow member 110 adetachably coupled at the opening 112 a of the base 106 a to configure asecond cavity therewithin. The elongated hollow member 110 a includes afirst open end 114 a, a second open end 116 a opposite to the first openend 114 a, and an intermediate body portion 118 a extending between thefirst open end 114 a and the second open end 116 a. The second open end116 a of the elongated hollow member 110 a is capable of detachablycoupling with the base 106 a at the opening 112 a. More specifically,the second open end 116 a of the elongated hollow member 110 a enclosesthe opening 112 a when the elongated hollow member 110 a is coupled withthe base 106 a. In one embodiment, the hollow elongated member 110 ahave a tapered structure such that the first end 114 a thereof may havea smaller diameter as compared to a diameter of the second open end 116a. The tapered structure of the hollow elongated member 110 a will beexplained further in conjunction with FIG. 3.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated hollow member110 a may have a height greater than a height of the projection 108 a.However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that theheight of the elongated hollow member 110 a may be less than or equal tothe height of the projection 108 a depending on the requirements orrules of the tossing game.

The receptacle 102 a further includes a lip 120 a extending outwardlyfrom a top end portion of the projection 108 a in a direction away fromthe base 106 a. The lip 120 a enables a user to hold and lift thereceptacle 102 a. Moreover, the game apparatus 100 includes a detachablecap 122 a for sealing the opening 122 a of the base 106 a. The use ofthe detachable cap for sealing the opening 122 a of the base 106 a willbe explained further in conjunction with FIG. 3.

As disclosed herein, the game apparatus 100 further includes thereceptacle 102 b, and the second set of washers 104 b corresponding tothe receptacle 102 b. The receptacle 102 b is similar to the receptacle102 a, and the second set of washers 104 b is similar to the first setof washers 104 b. More specifically, all the components of thereceptacle 102 b are structurally and configurationally similar to thecorresponding components of the receptacle 102 a. For example, thereceptacle 102 b includes a detachable cap 122 b structurally similar tothe detachable cap 122 b of the receptacle 102 a; and a base 106 b, aprojection 108 b and an elongated hollow member 110 b similar to thebase 106 a, the projection 108 a and the elongated hollow member 110 aof the receptacle 102 a. Moreover, the base 106 b includes an opening112 b similar to the opening 112 a of the receptacle 102 b. Furthermore,the elongated hollow member 110 b includes a first open end 114 b, asecond open end 116 b, and an intermediate body portion 118 b similar inconfiguration to the first open end 114 a, the second open end 116 a,and the intermediate body portion of the receptacle 102 a. Accordingly,the receptacle 102 b includes components having functionalities similarto that of corresponding components of receptacle 102 a, and anexplanation thereof will thus be omitted.

Referring back to the plurality of washers 104 a and 104 b, theplurality of washers 104 a and 104 b (hereinafter referred to as washers104 a, 104 b) may have a flat disk-like structure configured with a holeat the center thereof. However, it will be evident to a person skilledin the art that the washers may posses a flat polygonal structure or anyother structure with or without the hole configured at the centerthereof. Preferably, the washers 104 a and 104 b are composed of ametallic material.

In the present embodiment, each of the first set of washers and thesecond set of washers includes three washers as illustrated in FIG. 1.However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that each ofthe first set of washers and the second set of washers may include anynumber of washers. In an alternate embodiment, the first set of washersmay have a color different from the color of the second set of washers.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first set ofwashers, for example, washers 104 a may have a color similar to thecolor of the receptacle 102 a, and the second set of washers 104 b mayhave a color similar to the color of the receptacle 102 b. Such colorcombinations of the receptacles 102 a, 102 b and the plurality ofwashers imparts an aesthetic look to the game apparatus 100. In anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, the game apparatus 100may include components having the following dimensions: a pair ofreceptacles, for example, the receptacle 102 a and 102 b, eachreceptacle having a base, such as the base 106 a and the base 106 b ofabout 12 inches×12 inches; a projection includes four walls as shown inFIG. 1, each wall having a height of about 3 and ½ inches; a lip, suchas the lip 120 a and the lip 120 b having a width of about 1 and ½inches; and an elongated hollow member, such as the elongated hollowmember 110 a and the elongated hollow member 110 b including a firstopen end, such as the first open end 114 a and the second open end 114 bhaving a diameter of about 3 and ½ inches, a second open end, such asthe second open end 116 a and the second open end 116 b having adiameter of about 4 inches. Preferably, the elongated hollow member hasa height 4 inches. The game apparatus 100 further includes a pluralityof washers, such as the plurality of washers 104 a, 104 b, each having adiameter of about 2 inches. Each washer of the plurality of washers hasa hole of diameter of about ¾ inches.

The game apparatus 100 is capable of being configured in packagedconfiguration and a game-playing configuration. More specifically, thegame apparatus 100 may be packaged to form the packaged configurationthereof when the game apparatus 100 is not in use. The packaged positionof the game apparatus 100 will be explained further in conjunction withFIG. 3. In use, the game apparatus 100 may be arranged in thegame-playing configuration. The game-playing configuration of the gameapparatus 100 will be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the game apparatus 100 in thepackaged configuration thereof, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The game apparatus 100 isconfigured in the packaged configuration by positioning the receptacle102 a on top of the receptacle 102 b. In such a packaged configuration,the opening 112 a of the base 106 a receives a portion of the elongatedhollow member 110 b of the receptacle 102 b upon detaching thedetachable cap 122 a from the opening 112 a. It will be evident to aperson skilled in the art that the position of the receptacles 102 a and102 b may be altered in the packaged configuration of the game apparatus100. The packaged configuration of the game apparatus 100 enables easilyportability and storage thereof. Further, the receptacles 102 a and 102b and the detachable caps (not shown) of the receptacles 102 a and 102 bmay be composed of a plastic material, thereby imparting a light-weightconfiguration to the game apparatus 100. Furthermore, the game apparatus100 can be easily configured for playing the tossing game, as shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the game apparatus 100 being utilizedfor playing the tossing game, in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a player200 tossing a washer for example, the washer 104 a in a receptacle, forexample, the receptacle 102 a of the game apparatus 100. In oneembodiment of the present invention, tossing game may be played by twoteams for example, a first team and a second team. In such a case, eachteam may have at least one player. For the purpose of this description,FIG. 4 is shown with the player 200 playing the tossing game using thegaming apparatus 100. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled inthe art that the game apparatus 100 may be played on by a plurality ofteams at a time.

The game apparatus 100 may be set in the game-playing configuration forplaying the tossing game by positioning apart the receptacle 102 a and102 b at a predefined distance. The predefined distance is measured froma central portion of the elongated hollow members 110 a and 110 b.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the game apparatus 100 mayinclude a distance measuring means (not shown) for positioning apart thereceptacle 102 a and 102 b at the predefined distance. Example of thedistance measuring means may include, but is not restricted to a string,a measuring tape, and the like. More specifically, the distancemeasuring means may be used to ensure that the distance between thereceptacles 102 a and 102 b is equal to the predefined distance.Preferably, the predefined distance is about 20 feet. However, it shouldbe obvious to a person skilled in the art that the predefined distancemay vary for different games and teams. For example, in case the teamsinclude adult members, the predefined distance may be more than 20 feet.However, in case the teams include child members, the predetermineddistance may be much less than 20 feet.

After, configuring the game apparatus 100 in the playing configuration,the tossing game may be played among the first team and the second team.The method of playing the tossing game using the game apparatus 100 maybe explained further in conjunction with FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 500 for playing thetossing game. The method for playing the tossing game starts at 502. Forplaying the tossing game, the tossing game apparatus 100 having a pairof receptacles, a pair of detachable caps, and a plurality of washers isprovided at 504.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tossing game apparatus 100 includesthe pair of receptacles, for example, the receptacles 102 a, 102 b. Thereceptacle 102 a includes the base 106 a, the projection 108 a, and theelongated member 110 a. The base 106 a is configured with an opening 112a at a central portion thereof. The projection 108 a extends about theperiphery of the base 106 a for configuring a first cavity therewithin.The elongated hollow member 110 a detachably couples to the opening 112a of the base 106 a. The elongated hollow member 110 a encloses theopening 112 a for configuring a second cavity therewithin. The lip 120 aextends outwardly from the projection 108 a in a direction away from thebase 106 a. Similarly, the receptacle 102 b includes componentsconstructionally identical to respective components of the receptacle102 a.

The pair of detachable caps may include the detachable cap 122 a and thedetachable cap 122 b. The detachable caps may be utilized for sealingthe opening 112 a when the receptacle 102 a is positioned on ground forplaying the tossing game. By sealing the opening 112 a, the washers 104b falling into the second cavity (while playing the tossing game) may beheld inside the second cavity.

The plurality of washers may include a first set of washers, forexample, the washers 104 a; and a second set of washers, for example,the washers 104 b. The washers 104 a and 104 b may be tossed into thereceptacles 102 a and 102 b for earning points while playing the tossinggame.

The tossing game apparatus 100 including the pair of receptacles, thepair of detachable caps, and the plurality of washers may be configuredin a playing configuration. More specifically, a first receptacle andsecond receptacle of the pair of receptacles are positioned apart at506. As explained in conjunction with FIG. 4, the first receptacle suchas, the receptacle 102 a and the second receptacle such as, thereceptacle 102 b may be positioned apart at a predefined distance forexample, 20 feet, for playing the tossing game.

Thereafter, a pair of teams for playing the tossing game may be providedat 508. Each team of the pair of teams may include a plurality ofplayers. Subsequently, a first team and a second team may be identifiedfrom the pair of teams based on a predetermined criteria at 510. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the predetermined criteria istossing of a coin. More specifically, a coin may be tossed to decide thefirst team that may get a first chance to toss the washers. As disclosedherein, the first team may use the first set of washers 104 a, andsecond team may use the second set of washers 104 b for playing thetossing game. The first team and the second team of the pair of teamsmay be positioned apart at 512. More specifically, the first team andthe second team may be positioned in proximity of the receptacle 102 aand the receptacle 102 b, respectively.

Thereafter, at least one player of the first team winning the toss ofthe coin, hereinafter called the coin toss, is given a chance to firsttoss the first set of washers in the corresponding receptacle at 514.For example, the first team may the toss the washers 104 a in thereceptacle 102 b when the first team wins the coin toss. Moreover, theplurality of washers may be tossed by the team who wins the coin toss.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the player 200 of the first teammay toss the washers 104 a into the receptacle 102 b to earn points.Alternatively, the player 200 may toss all the washers 104 a in oneattempt to earn points for the first team. For example, if the washers104 a include three washers, the player 200 of the first team may tossthe three washers 104 a at a time aiming at the receptacle 102 b forearning points for the first team.

Subsequently, the second set of the plurality of washers may be tossedby at least one player of the second team, at 516. More specifically, asecond player of the second team may toss the washer 104 b aiming at thereceptacle 102 a. Alternatively, the second player of the second teammay toss all the washers 104 b simultaneously aiming at the receptacle102 a for earning point for the second team. Thereafter, a number ofpoints earned by the first team and the second team may be counted at518.

Preferably, the number of points earned by each team is based onpositions where the washers 104 a and 104 b falls after tossing. Forexample, when a team tosses a washer, such as the washer 104 a into thefirst cavity of the receptacle 102 b, the first team may earn one point.Moreover, for the washer 104 a tossed into the second cavity of thereceptacle 102 b, the first team may earn three points. Further, for thewasher 104 a tossed on to the lip 120 a, the first team may earn onepoint. Further, for the washer 104 a hitting the ground, the first teammay get zero points and the washer 104 a may be considered as a deadwasher. Furthermore, the washer 104 a hitting the ground and tossinginto either of the first cavity or the second cavity of the receptacle102 b may be considered as point less.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a series of rounds oftossing game may be played and the points earned by the teams may becollectively counted. Preferably, for all rounds of tossing subsequentto a first round, the team scoring a last point in a previous round maybe given a first chance to toss washers. Finally, a team that scores apredefined number of total points first may be declared the winner at520. In one embodiment, the predefined number of total points may be 21points. In one embodiment of the present invention, when each of thefirst team and the second team of the pair of teams earn the predefinedtotal of points at the same time, an additional round or rounds oftossing may be conducted to identify a winning team.

The present invention provides a game apparatus for playing a tossinggame. The game apparatus disclosed herein includes a pair of receptaclessuch that each receptacle includes a hollow elongated portion. Moreover,the game apparatus includes plurality of washers for tossing into thehollow elongated portion. The pair of receptacles and the washers may beprovided in a variety of colors, thereby enhancing an aesthetic value ofthe game apparatus. Moreover, the game apparatus disclosed herein iseasy to configure. Further, the game apparatus may be packaged in acompact structure, thereby enabling an easy portability and convenientstorage thereof.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the present invention and its practicalapplication, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the present invention and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isunderstood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents arecontemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but theseare intended to cover the application or implementation withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the claims of the presentinvention.

1. A game apparatus for a tossing game, comprising: a pair ofreceptacles, each receptacle of the pair of receptacles comprising, abase, the base configured with an opening at a central portion of thebase, a projection extending about a periphery of the base forconfiguring a first cavity therewithin; and an elongated hollow membercomprising, a first open end, and a second open end opposite to thefirst open end, wherein the second open end is configured to detachablycouple with the base for enclosing the opening of the base, the firstopen end and second open end configuring a second cavity therebetween,and a pair of detachable caps, each detachable cap of the pair ofdetachable caps configured to seal the opening of the base; and aplurality of washers capable of being tossed into at least one positionof a plurality of predetermined positions of the pair of receptacles forscoring points for playing the tossing game.
 2. The game apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pair of receptacles is spaced apart at a predefineddistance for playing the game, the predefined distance comprising adistance between centers of the pair of receptacles.
 3. The gameapparatus of claim 1, wherein the game apparatus is configurable in apackaged position by positioning a first receptacle of the pair ofreceptacles on a second receptacle of the pair of receptacles, whereinthe first receptacle having a base with an opening receiving a portionof an elongated hollow member of the second receptacle upon detaching adetachable cap from the opening of the first receptacle.
 4. The gameapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a distance measuring means forpositioning apart the pair of receptacles at the predefined distance. 5.The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of receptacles furthercomprises a lip extending outwardly from the projection in a directionaway from the base for enabling holding and lifting of the pair ofreceptacles.
 6. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongatedhollow member possess height greater than equal to height of theprojection.
 7. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofwashers includes washers having a flat disk-like structure configuredwith a hole.
 8. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair ofreceptacles and the pair of detachable caps are composed of a plasticmaterial.
 9. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofwashers are composed of a metallic material.
 10. A method of playing atossing game, comprising: providing a game apparatus for playing thetossing game, the tossing game apparatus comprising pair of receptacles,each receptacle of the pair of receptacles having a base configured withan opening at a central portion of the base, a projection extendingabout a periphery of the base for configuring a first cavity, anelongated hollow member detachably coupled to the base enclosing theopening for configuring a second cavity, and a lip extending outwardlyfrom the projection in a direction away from the base; a pair ofdetachable caps, each detachable cap of the pair of detachable caps isconfigured to seal the opening of the base of the receptacle; aplurality of washers to be tossed, wherein the plurality of washersincludes a first set of washers and a second set of washers; positioningapart a first receptacle and a second receptacle of the pair ofreceptacles at a predefined distance in opposite directions; providing apair of teams, the pair of teams comprising a plurality of players;identifying a first team and a second team based on a predeterminedcriteria; positioning apart the first team and the second team of thepair of teams in opposite directions, wherein the first team ispositioned at the first receptacle and the second team is positioned atthe second receptacle; tossing the first set of washers by at least oneplayer of the first team into the second receptacle; tossing the secondset of washers by at least one player of the second team into the firstreceptacle; counting a number of points earned by the first team and thesecond team, wherein the points are earned when a washer is tossed intoat least one position of a plurality of predetermined positions, theplurality of predetermined positions comprising the first cavity, thesecond cavity, and the lip of the game apparatus; and declaring a teamfrom the pair of teams as a winning team when the team earns apredefined total of points first.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinthe predefined distance is about 20 feet.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein the predefined distance is a distance between central portion ofthe first receptacle and the second receptacle.
 13. The method of claim10, wherein the plurality of washers comprises a first set of washerstossed by the first team and a second set of washers tossed by thesecond team.